FCC

Crown LNG, PIL Ink Deal for Kakinada Gas Pipeline Link

2025-07-18

Pipeline Infrastructure Ltd (PIL) and Crown LNG Holdings Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish pipeline connectivity between Crown LNG’s proposed 7.2 million tonnes per annum gravity-based LNG terminal in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, and PIL’s existing natural gas pipeline network.

The agreement, signed on 10 July by PIL MD Akhil Mehrotra and Crown LNG CEO Swapan Kataria, aims to link the regasification unit (GBSRU) with PIL’s injection point in Kakinada. This connection is expected to facilitate the evacuation of around 25 million standard cubic metres per day of gas to major demand centres across western and northern India.

PIL, a special-purpose vehicle backed by Energy Infrastructure Trust, operates a 1,400-km pipeline from Kakinada to Bharuch, Gujarat, used by companies like Reliance Industries to transport offshore gas. The MoU would enable Crown LNG to transport imported natural gas through this network, enhancing its utilisation and providing an efficient delivery route.

Construction of the terminal is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected within four years. Crown LNG operates in India via its fully owned subsidiary, Krishna Godavari LNG Terminal Pvt Ltd.

Both parties will work jointly to align the pipeline connectivity with the terminal’s development timeline, ensuring synchronised execution and operational readiness.